As the number of overuse injuries continues to rise in young baseball players,
safe pitching
guidelines — which focus on proper warm up
exercises; maximum play time and pitch counts; recommended rest periods; appropriate ages for learning various types of pitches; and not playing on multiple teams, year round or on consecutive days — are being integrated into play at many of the nation's 200,000 youth baseball teams, ideally with a firm, cooperative commitment from coaches, parents / caregivers and players.